It’s almost time for the holiday, but before you head out of town and stuff yourself silly, catch up with the latest music news with this week’s On the Radar.
Chicago Artist Spotlight: Ravyn Lenae
Southside native Ravyn Lenae started turning heads with her second EP Midnight Moonlight earlier this year. The EP was so infectious Rolling Stone named the pop singer one of “10 New Artists You Need To Know.” Now the singer is getting ready to drop her new EP, CRUSH, out January 26 via 323 Music Group.
To give us a taste, Lenae dropped the new single “Sticky,” which you can check out above. After listening to this song, you know Lenae is going to be on everyone’s lips next year. The singer is currently finishing up a tour with Smino and SZA. To see where she’ll be next, check out the remaining dates here.
Ministry reveal details for new album AmeriKKKant
Months after first announcing a new record, Ministry have given us more information about the upcoming release. Dubbed AmeriKKKant, the new LP drops March 9, 2018. The band also revealed the tracklist and artwork. The cover features the Statue of Liberty covering her face in shame. In a statement about the new release, frontman Al Jourgensen said “This album, ‘AmeriKKKant’, will provide FEMA-type relief for the devastation ‘Hurricane Cheeto’ has brought upon us.”
Along with this, Ministry also released the music video for the LP’s lead single “Antifa.” The clip features shots of rioters and flames while the band performs the track in masks. Check it out above. Judging from the song and the reactions it’s gotten so far, Jourgensen is looking to ruffle a few feathers.
The Cure announce massive 40th-anniversary show
The Cure celebrates 40 years as a band in 2018 and they already have plans to celebrate. They announced a massive festival-style show in London’s Hyde Park. The event features the band playing a two hour set along with a slew of support acts. Joining the alt-rock titans are Slowdive, Interpol, The Twilight Sad, Editors, Goldfrapp, and Ride. It all goes down in London on July 7. Tickets are on sale now, but you better act fast. This show is expected to sell out pretty quick.
Along with this, longtime collaborator Tim Pope revealed on Twitter that he and Robert Smith are working on a definitive documentary about the band. The film will follow The Cure from the 1970s to the present and beyond. Pope mentions the film will include rare footage, bootlegs, performances, and other goodies that will have fans salivating. No word on when its slated to come out, but let’s hope we don’t have to wait too long.
Jack White teases next album with bizarre video collage
Fans have been eagerly waiting for Jack White’s follow up to 2014’s Lazaretto and it seems like they won’t have to wait much longer. Last week, White posted a strange video collage featuring combined snippets he called “Servings and Portions from my Boarding House Reach.”
Directed by White himself, the video features seemingly random images of a fire extinguisher, in-studio photos, fake hands, and animals labeled in French. What does it all mean? See if you can crack the code and check out the video above.
Upcoming Shows
Don’t miss the Metro’s second annual Holiday Bash with Taylor Bennett, Bianca Shaw, and Melo Makes Music on December 23. Let Christmas come early and get tickets here.
Tiesto plays the Aragon Ballroom with special guest GRYFFIN on December 23. Find tickets here.
Artist on the rise SZA plays a sold-out show at the Concord Music Hall December 23. Since there are no more tickets left this is bound to be a good one.
Wanna catch a DJ set before the holiday? See Chicago’s own Twista along with Fat Tiger as part of Aux Cord DJs at The MID on December 23. You still have a chance to get tickets.